NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray spoke up for veterans during questions for the Secretary of Defence at the House of Commons on Monday (February 18).
He said: “It is anecdotally alleged, although not necessarily backed up by statistics, that a disproportionate number of prisoners are veterans. What consideration has my right hon. friend given to making better use of the MOD prison estate—particularly Colchester Prison, for example, which I understand is relatively empty at the moment? Would that not be more appropriate housing for soldiers and veterans who are in civilian prisons?”
Defence Minister, Mr Ellwood supported Mr Gray’s statement, responding that:
“I pay tribute to my hon. friend for the experience that he brings to the chamber. My hon. friend makes an interesting point, and I would like to pursue these conversations—perhaps with the prisons minister, my hon. friend the Member for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart)—to see what more can be done.”
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